April 17, (THEWILL) – Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, a.k.a Kie Kie, is best known for her witty and conversational style of brand influencing and fashion style. The content creator speaks with IVORY UKONU about her career trajectory and plans for her brand in the nearest future. Excerpts:
How did you become a content creator?
I started out just like every other content creator. It started with little ideas that grew into something beautiful. As my interest in content creation grew, I began to study other successful skit makers and carried out research on how and what content to create and for what audience. I discovered that every one of the successful content creators I knew had a unique signature style. At that time I could use the Yoruba language to create content. It made people laugh and a lot of people liked it. So I decided to give it a shot and it gave birth to the ‘KIKIE’ character. Following that, I collaborated with different skit makers on Instagram. In the course of my interaction with them, I came to realise how much I loved to create content and act. Eventually I said to myself, ‘Why keep all these ideas to yourself when you can actually turn them into proper skits, bring in actors and let them act it out?’ So far, the going has been quite smooth.
Before your big break as a content creator, what were you doing?
I was into fashion and blogging. I was so much in love with styling in fashion that I began to develop it and even came up with ways that people can look good. Also, I offered hot fashion tips to my followers. That was the major focus of my blog.
What inspires the kind of contents you put out?
It’s different strokes for different people, but my contents are inspired by the day-to-day things that happen around me, my wild imaginations and of course, trends and gossip.
How easy or difficult is it for you to create contents?
It is not easy at all. Content creation requires a lot of work, from generating ideas, to writing them, shooting and production. Sometimes the ideas come to you randomly and you have to put them down in a manner that makes complete sense and still be funny at the same time. It is not easy to make people laugh. Days of hard work are what sums up into a 30 minutes viewing creation for the audience.
How did your family react to your decision to be a skit maker/content creator?
My parents were very supportive. They are my foremost fans, especially my mum. She practically watches my progress, keeping track of the growth of my followers on social media. She will even know when the growth is slow or when it’s faster. When I started out in 2013, my parents bought me a full production set. They also rented a studio for me in Magodo to kick off. I have also received great support from my siblings. I’m so proud of them all.
Beyond the feedback you get in the comment section of your Instagram page, what other kinds of feedback spur you on?
Every creative person loves to hear that people appreciate their craft. I have received both negative and constructive comments that can help me grow my brand. The ones that spur me on are those that come with insulting and demeaning statements, which are not in any way related to the contents.
Have you ever had to deal with negative comments or online stalkers? Could you give an instance of how you handled it?
Negative comments are not news to content creators. For me, I simply don’t reply them because the best way to deal with a troll is to not feed them. If it includes use of vulgar language, I simply remove such comments. As for online stalkers, I don’t think I’ve experienced any.
How about the feedback you get from your older colleagues or celebrities?
Yes, I do get feedback from older colleagues or celebrities. It feels good to have feedback like that. It gives you that beautiful and encouraging feeling of knowing that a celebrity is interested in your content.
Have you thought of trying out your skills in the movie industry?
Of course, it will be a-dream-come-true. I’ve seen content creators taking up roles in movies recently, even though they are not core Nollywood movies. I believe I’m a work-in -progress and that is a long-term plan. Creating content has given me a practice ground and I’m getting good at acting. So, yes, it is something that I’d love to see happen.
Have you ever been involved in a conflict with another skit maker, in terms of similarity in contents?
Not that I can remember. My content is unique and that is what makes me stand out from other content creators. I do my research to make sure it is 100 percent original. I can say that people sometimes try to make comparisons between other content creators and I, but that iss as far as it gets.
So you studied a bit of fashion. Why didn’t you continue your career along that path?
I believe that all the skills you pick up, study or learn are a function of the perfect person you are meant to become. Fashion, acting and blogging came together to make me the unique person that I am today. So, in essence being a content creator was me niching down.
What was growing up like?
I grew up in a very principled and happy family. It was fun. I spent a lot of time with my siblings and we had a great family bonding. I had quite an adventurous childhood and it has played a great role in shaping me into the woman I’ve grown to become today.
What would you consider to be the challenges of content creation?
The first challenge I’ve faced creating content is time management. You need to invest a lot of time in content creation. Unfortunately time is never enough and it’s very difficult to manage. Some days you just don’t know what you have achieved and before you know it, the day is gone. The second challenge is having a creative block and not being able to come up with ideas for your contents. Most times you don’t have a choice than to just wait it out. When that happens, you need to relax your brain and take a break. Sometimes changing the environment also helps. Going on a vacation can give you a fresh perspective of things.
If you weren’t a content creator, what else do you think you would have excelled in?
Fashion definitely. That was my Plan B when I started creating content. There is a huge market for fashion in Nigeria and it is still growing.
Has there ever been a time you thought of quitting what you do?
Not at all, that is why it is important to always do what you love. If the passion is there, believe me even when frustration sets in you will still find motivation in the little progress you’re making and keep moving forward.
You are nominated in the first-ever ‘Best Online Social Content Creator’ category of the forthcoming 8th edition of the AMVCA. What does it feel like being nominated?
I find it so overwhelming to be nominated and can’t thank the organisers enough for the recognition. I urge my fans and supporters to vote for me and ensure that I bring home the award.
What is married life like as a content creator?
It’s really beautiful because I have an understanding husband and we have this wonderful synergy together that makes us a great family in the sense that he helps out with a lot of things when he can and I do the same.
